As much as Roisin Ellis loves Gaelic football, there is one thing she enjoys even more – helping other people discover the benefits that being active can bring to their lives.

Roisin belongs to Sport Canterbury’s team of Physical Health Advisors. They are champions for the value of being active, and the benefits for physical as well as mental health.

Only four months ago, Roisin met Mohamed Hassan (age four). During his B4 School Check, Mohamed was identified as a candidate for Sport Canterbury’s Active Families service.

According to Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon, “Our Active Families service supports families who want to educate themselves – on smarter choices and a healthier lifestyle.

“It’s a service based on a common sense approach. But it’s also a service where the one-on-one support is invaluable to many families.”

Roisin arrived at the Hassan family home in Somerfield with a plate that teaches about portion sizes…and a football.

“We talk about how to read labels. And we get to know the family. What’s important to them? What motivates them? What activities can they enjoy together?”

While all families face challenges around nutrition and motivation, the Hassan family had to consider cultural traditions, which around food can be daunting.

With Somali staples such as a spaghetti/rice combination and five children under the age of nine, time pressures sometimes shape meal choices – as well as how time is spent after school.

Roisin introduced a new approach based on simple tricks. Hummus and veggie sticks replace afternoon biscuits. For mum and dad, thick slices of toast have given way to oatmeal with almond milk. After school TV time has turned into a walk to Somerfield Park, scooting, cycling and playing soccer.

Today Mohamed spends two hours doing laps of the playground on his two wheeler, recovered by the Sport Canterbury team from EcoDrop and donated to the family.

“The kids just can’t get enough.”

The Hassans are a family aware of challenges, facing the transition to Kiwi culture, and Christchurch climate, from their home in Somalia.

They are also a family highly motivated – to make changes now that their children will apply over time, resulting in a lifelong love of being active.

“In its first year, our Active Families service reached 95 families,” says Falloon. “However what is so interesting with the Hassan family is that everyone in the family has become engaged. They have all taken a serious interest in their own wellbeing, from age four to nine and through to the parents.”

Trips to the supermarket are so much different now, with the children keen to share their newfound expertise (‘Mum, this one is healthy!’).

 “Before we didn’t shop for veggies. Broccoli and cauliflower weren’t on the menu. Now for the first time in our lives we look for fibre. We look at sugar – is there less than 10g per 100g serving?"

The Hassans know the questions to ask. For a while, they encouraged the kids, ‘Go play outside.’ Now they have to be patient as they call them in and the reply, in five Kiwi accents, comes: ‘Just one more minute please…’

Roisin has helped the family make changes that are realistic – and the key is clearly the relationship she has formed with all seven of the Hassans, based on trust and genuine care.

Making time to exercise is not normally within Sadiya’s culture; the family matriarch is typically focused on responsibilities within the home. Her trips to the park are new and rewarding. She now commonly engages in ball games with the entire family.

Roisin created a home-based weighted exercise programme for Sadiya, which includes a back stretch routine and provides a nice diversion from chores when the busy mum finds herself home alone.

“I forget myself,” says Sadiya, describing the benefits in terms of independence and reduced self-consciousness.

Amir also reflects on the significance of changes in their family home. Beyond meal choices and new activities at the park, he says so much more has changed.

“I saw it in their character,” Amir says of his five children, observing significant shifts in behaviour and self-esteem.

“They’re more happy now than before.”

Roisin accepts some credit, but insists the Hassans are also very special.  “They have all been very open-minded about educating themselves – which means the changes they make are sustainable and long-lasting. The impact is great because the family supports one another.”

24 April 2019: Update

The Hassan family has enrolled Mohamed into a local soccer training group, with the support of Sport Canterbury’s Active Families service. Every Monday, he enjoys taking part in the session with a group of children his age, learning new skills and growing confidence.

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